River dredging
The Ministry of Water Resources and Flood Control, Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) and the Planning Commission (PC) should take-up the task of excavation and dredging of the navigable riverbeds across the country. Bangladesh from time immemorial remained as a riparian country.
Unfortunately, the former policy-planners and decision makers of our independent Bangladesh overlooked the navigable draught position and the condition of soil converging on the mighty riverbeds. In the early sixties, the Vice-Chairman of the Planning Commission of Pakistan and Chairman of East Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (EPWAPDA) together gave emphasis on maintaining the navigable status of the major rivers which were between the range of 12-18 feet navigable draught.
But the issue was neglected after the country became independent, and the result has been disastrous.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.